Rep. Schrier Highlights Kittitas County During Subcommittee Hearing on Increasing COVID-19 Vaccinations
WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08) participated in a hearing today on increasing COVID-19 vaccinations and improving the supply chain. In her opening remarks, Rep. Schrier highlighted the success Kittitas County has had in getting residents vaccinated.
"Kittitas County, in my district, has proven to be a great model for rural communities, much like West Virginia, Dr. Marsh," said Rep. Schrier. "They've administered 98% of their vaccine doses, have not wasted a drop, and have solid second dose appointments already booked."
Rep. Schrier did add that the success Kittitas County has had is because of the excellent, creative work of Health Officer, Dr. Mark Larson and his team at the Kittitas County Public Health Office.
Rep. Schrier continued, "…here's the thing … Kittitas County is successful because Dr. Larson, their public health official, designed a nimble distribution system from the ground up, keeping specific community needs in mind. I asked Dr. Larson whether he got any specific guidance from the Federal government in setting up a vaccination program. He had not. But he sure would have appreciated it."
The key takeaways from the hearing include:
- Towns and counties are individually having to create their own vaccine distribution systems, instead of being provided versatile models by the Federal government
- States remain hamstrung by the limited vaccine doses
- Vaccine rollout was significantly impacted by lack of transparency in the first month about future vaccine doses states could expect. This has improved in the last two weeks
- We need to be taking steps now to improve supply chains
- All witnesses agree that the pitfalls they were experiencing are improving day by day
"It was helpful to hear from multiple states about what is working and how the Federal government can assist as states continue to immunize residents. We must continue to look for avenues to increase production of needles, syringes, PPE, and other supplies that will help us get vaccines in people's arms. I'm optimistic about President Biden's plans to increase immunizations and assist states with this rollout. We can and must do better," Rep. Schrier concluded.